Nigel Reo-Coker told Aston Villa release on holiday

09 July 2011 10:05

Nigel Reo-Coker admits he was stunned to learn he has been released by Aston Villa - while he was sunning himself on holiday.

The midfielder, who finished last season as captain, had expected to be offered a new deal but must now find a new club.

And now free-agent Reo-Coker, 27, is even considering a move abroad after being overlooked by top clubs in England.

Shock: Nigel Reo-Coker heard he had been released while on holiday

He revealed: 'Before Gerard Houllier was taken ill and left the club, he said he wanted to sit me down this summer and negotiate a new deal.

'When the season ended, there was no contact from Villa to renegotiate my contract.

'We never sat down together, which I was told would happen. While on holiday, I was getting texts from friends and reading tweets I'd been released.

Promise: Gerard Houllier had said Reo-Coker would be offered a new deal

'I was disappointed. It should've been handled better and with more respect.'

New boss Alex McLeish has not been in contact either, despite reports elsewhere to the contrary.

Reo-Coker insists he has yet to receive an offer from any club but that his agent is scouring Europe for his next move.

Next move: Reo-Coker (right) will consider a move abroad

A number of clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany have been tracking Reo-Coker since watching him star in the Europa League for Villa and West Ham.

He added: 'It's a new chapter. I want to go to a club where I can challenge for things either in the Premier League or abroad.

'There are options in Europe - and I'm seriously considering them.'

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